Asexuality, attraction and the feeling of growing up outside of societal norms are the themes of Jonny Brace’s new play That’s Ace which is heading to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. It is a new piece of theatre presented by Ray Productions and sees the lead character of Ace go through a series of new experiences, from clubbing for the first time to finally reflecting on her feelings towards high school crush Sasha. I recently had the opportunity to ask Writer and Director Jonny Brace and performer Tiffany Marina Pearmund some questions about the show, which is at Just The Tonic at The Caves for the entire festival period.
What inspired you to write a play about a young person’s experience, coming to terms with their asexuality?
Jonny: The show came from the combination of two inspirations initially. I knew I wanted to write about asexuality and I had a memory of turning up to a club at University as they opened and waiting around as the club slowly filled with people. It felt like a good location to set that story and naturally led to a younger main character. Plus, as a story of discovery it felt like the right time in someone’s life to dramatise first thinking about sexuality and attraction in that way.
The play is set in a night club and centres on Ace, who has been invited to the venue for the first time by her high school crush Sasha.
How are you exploring the pair’s relationship through the lens of a one-person play?
Jonny: Obviously, as it is a one-person show we only ever see Ace’s side of the conversation so the play is really focused on the dilemma going on in her head and the realisations she comes to. But the show is set in the present, this isn’t a show of someone re-telling the story of what happened, she is talking to us as it happens. As such, there are moments where we see her talk to characters who the audience can’t see or hear. So we do get to see the interactions between Ace and Sasha whilst maintaining focus on our main character.
How are you building the bustling and lively atmosphere of a night club in a fringe setting?
Jonny: Mainly, through the exceptional talent of our sound and lighting team coupled with the physicality work of Tiffany. Our sound designer has created bespoke club tracks to underscore most of the show and to go hand-in-hand with the lighting. As well as the physicality work of Tiffany to react to the invisible club-goers around her to make it feel like a proper club environment. And of course the most important element, a willing audience’s imagination.
What do you hope audiences take away from coming to see the show?
Jonny: I hope people leave the show feeling better than when they walked in. It’s a really wholesome, uplifting show that I hope makes people feel warm. Plus, if you are asexual I hope you leave feeling represented and a part of the space we have created with this show.
What can you tell me about the character of Ace?
Tiffany: Ace is a really wholesome character! She’s a young 18-year-old lesbian figuring out her feelings for a girl in her school (we’ve all been there!!). She’s lived a pretty sheltered life and had a fairly religious and strict upbringing so she feels mature, yet naive, confident but easily overwhelmed in unknown situations. She’s a MASSIVE Doctor Who fan (emphasis on massive) and she’s funny as hell; so many one liners! The audience is her safe space in this world so she really connects with them easily and establishes a strong personal connection from the get go.
How will audiences relate to Ace’s experiences?
Tiffany: Audiences will fall in love with Ace first I think, and then realise a part of them is Ace. She’s a character that feels very human, very three dimensional so her fears, aspirations, confusion, questions will hit home to lots of people. Any Doctor Who fans will recognise her references, any people from the ace community will feel a kinship and anyone who’s ever had a crush, questioned their identity, been to a club (and hated it), or tried to navigate this very fast-paced society will find a safe haven in Ace. She’s really got something for everyone.
How are you preparing for your Edinburgh run?
Tiffany: Every day, I wake up, get my phone out, look at my calendar and count the days!!! In all honesty, I’m beyond excited and a tiny bit apprehensive to be doing a month run (up until now I’ve done about 2-3 weeks max) so I’m intrigued to see how it’s going to feel in my body! Fringe is at the back of my mind on a daily basis but I try not to think too much about it so I still stay present with myself as we prep! We have previews happening in June and July across England, so that’s been a nice way to learn how to juggle travelling, staying in unknown places and doing shows to new audiences and by the time we get to Edinburgh, I’ll be raring to go!
What are you most looking forward to, performing at the Fringe this year?
Tiffany: Well, it’s my first time EVER going to Fringe so I’m not sure what to expect really, but I’m guessing there will be people from all around the world and that’s what I’m really looking forward to; meeting people from different places, and bringing our little grassroots show to a wider audience outside London! And obviously, I’m super excited to finally experience THE Edinburgh Fringe, it’s even famous where I’m from! (aka a small town in rural Switzerland).
Catch That’s Ace at the 2026 festival
That’s Ace sounds like a coming of age story that very much has representation at its core, both in the relatability of the character of Ace and the wider aspirations to authentically share a young person’s experiences of asexuality. The play is based at Just The Fancy Room at Just The Tonic at The Caves (venue 88) from 6th – 30th August (not 18th). Performances start at 12:50 (1 hour), with the show on sale via the EdFringe website now.
Great interview ! I watched the show back in London and absolutely loved it. I’ll be in Edinburgh in August so I’ll get another opportunity to come and enjoy this show